Principles of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larviculture

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a species with high nutritional, ecological and commercial values which is endemic in Iran, but its natural stocks are endangered during recent years. Therefore, Iranian Fisheries Organization as the main responsible organization for preservation of aquatic natural stocks of the country planned to stock rehabilitation of this species since 1989. This program had satisfactory results and make drastic increment in pikeperch harvest value in southern parts of the Caspian Sea. The key part of restocking plan of fish including pikeperch is in-captured propagation, larviculture and production of high quality fries. Larval period is very critical and challenging stage and larviculture requests having knowledge on natural requirements of larvae and maintaining appropriate environmental and nutritional conditions. Hence, the current paper tried to evaluate principles of pikeperch larviculture and present practical manual on this field.